8 Smart Moves for Keeping Dirt Out of the House

Stop grime at the door (and clean way less often) with these tips.

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One of the best ways to streamline your cleaning routine is to cut the mess off at the source. Reduce the time you spend dusting, vacuuming and Swiffer-ing by stopping dirt before it can get all over everything.

1. Don't underestimate doormats.
Mats help trap dirt before it can cross your threshold — and to really keep grime at bay, you should have one on the outside and inside at every entrance to your home.

"It's crucial to keep them clean," says Carolyn Forte, director of the Home Appliances and Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Research Institute. "I like to vacuum my mats on both sides. Vacuuming the back actually pushes out more embedded dirt on the front side."

2. Leave shoes at the door.
We're not saying you have to be the "socks-only police," monitoring each guest that enters your home. But institute this rule for your family to keep a lot of tracked-in dirt out of your living room.

3. Give your pet a once over outside.
"Keep a towel by the back door to wipe and dry pets' coats and paws when they come inside," says Forte. "And brush pets often — outside, if you can, to quell excess fur."

4. Consider how often you leave your windows open.
Letting your house breath a bit on a breezy day can feel great, but know that open windows also invites pollen and other particles inside.

5. Run your kitchen's exhaust fan while cooking.
"Do this especially when frying or sautéing," says Forte. "It will help trap grease particles and keep them from depositing on surfaces."

6. Empty your bagless vacuum outside.
Once you've sucked up the dirt that did make its way into your home, make sure you ditch it for good. The particles can travel back into the air if you empty the canister inside.

8. Change or clean air filters in heating or air conditioning units.
By doing this monthly, you ensure that your machines run efficiently and that they effectively trap particles before they get blown into your home.